Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Sorry all if this is a simple question but brand new to the CC. Would like to use 1 CC and 2 CST on seperate frequency to fire remote camera. Ideally would toggle back and forth on single CC to fire cam 1 or Cam 2. Is this possible? Or will it require 1 CC/CST combo per camera on seperate frequencies. Thank you in advance!

Really dpends on the camera system you are using. Canon and Sony tend to work well with CSRB+'s, while Nikon and Pentax tend to be inconsistent with CSRB+'s (tested using Flash Zebra cables). Olympus and other brands have not been thoroughly with the CSRB+. All cameras tested work consistently with CSRB.

With that, if you are using a Canon or Sony system, then you can easily do what you are asking using one CC and 2- CSRB+'s and appropriate cables. Set each up on its own channel, and toggle back and forth. Nikon/Pentax systems would be a little more complex in either switching or hardware.

FWIW, my Canon 40D will only fire from a CSRB+ if set to manual focus. It appears that the pulse from the CST is too short to allow the auto focus to occur.

ahh ok thanks, wondering if the 5d2 has similar issues, likely. Thats ok, will have it set to manual as is so not a big deal, any idea on the max range?? AND, can I hang cc in my pocket csrb+ off both cameras to trigger shutter via cable and CST in hotshoe of each to trigger seperate strobes for each camera?

Thanks for the responses!!!

The camera has two contacts, one for focus and one for shutter. Typically, the focus circuit needs to be closed before the shutter will trip (there is bound to be exceptions to this). A prerelease cord acts like half depressing on the shutter button, closing the focus circuit. In MF, you manually focus where you want. In AF-S, the focus is found and locks into place wherever it is pointed when the cord is engaged. In AF-C, the focus continuously updates, tripping the shutter when activated. Some cameras have a focus/release priority setting. In focus priority, focus must be aquired before the shutter trips. In release priority, it will make a best effort for focus, but trip the shutter even if not 100% locked. Depending on light levels and contrast, focus can take fractions of seconds to several seconds, if it is found at all. We recommend release priority when available, however the close time of the reciever still may or may not be long enough in that particular situation. CyberSync does not support any AF activation.

Once CC can trigger either of two cameras or both easily. In theory, in this set up, both cameras should be able to trigger one set of lights, especially if it is an either/or scenario for the cameras (i.e. you will not trigger both). If using both cameras, you should probably use two sets of lights. Even with two identical model cameras, the reaction time may vary, and you may get two pops of the flash, or a sync difference. CC to cameras should be on one frequency, camera to lights should be on a second frequency, and second camera to lights should be on a third.

Wow, thank you for such a detailed response! Awesome, sounds like this is going to work!!

Ok, for two camera's, each with their own set of strobes, will need to order:

1- CC (Have)

1-CSRB+ receiver for Camera 1
1- CST transmitter Camera 1 to Strobes (Have 3 Einsteins on order w/Recievers)
(Zebra cord)

1-CSRB+ receiver for Camera 2
1- CST transmitter Camera 2 to Strobes (Will order 2-3 additional Einsteins w/ Receivers)
(Zebra cord)

Thanks again for taking the time to write!!

That sounds doable. Also, with the CC in hand, if you change frequencies, you can control the output of the lights remotely as well. While not something that is a quick procedure, it can still be handy.

Perfect! Thank you brother!

Silly Question: Any idea which Zebra Cable to use?? Guessing this is the N3 to Pocketwizard?

Connecting N3 (5D2 to CST)

I think Zebra has it as:
http://www.flashzebra.com/shutter_pw/0090.shtml

Thanks Paul.

That would be the one.